2.
3.
Apply a fine rubbing compound and buff.
Wax.
7.
Apply two or three light coats of matching fiberglass
gel coat to the repaired area. Enough gel coat
should be used so that the entire area is covered.
If this does not work, clean the area and sand lightly with
to 600 wet or dry sandpaper and follow with rubbing
compound and wax.
The gel coat must be catalyzed using up to 2% MEK
Peroxide which can be purchased at a supplier han-
dling fiberglass reinforced products. Contact your
Four Winns dealer for assistance.
400
B. Gouges & Cracks
8.
9.
After ample drying time, sand the area using very
fine wet/dry sandpaper. If the appearance of the
area is still not satisfactory, repeat steps 2 through
4 as necessary.
Stress cracks and crazing are the appearance of hairline
cracks in the gel coat surface. When present, these prob-
lems usually occur in the gel coat finish or the outer “skin”
coat” fiberglass laminate. The appearance of these
cracks do not pose a threat to the structural integrity of
the boat. In most cases, they are cosmetic and can be
treated.
If above the waterline, polish the area using a fiber-
glass rubbing compound and then wax. If the re-
paired area is below the waterline, the area should
be primed and painted in accordance with the
anti-fouling paint manufacturer’s instructions.
Cosmetic surface damage can be repaired as follows:
1.
Sand the surrounding area with medium or fine grit Gel coat, like paint, will change colors with time and
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, anti-fouling exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet). For this reason,
paint, etc. from the immediate area. DO NOT ex- “matching” gel coat obtained from Four Winns may not
cessively scratch or gouge the surrounding area.
match the gel color of a boat that has been exposed.
However, this is the closest match commercially avail-
2.
3.
4.
Use a hard, pointed tool to open the gel crack. Take able. A fiberglass technician can tint the gel to be used
care not to damage the surrounding gel coat. in the repair to provide a closer color match.
Sand the crack or gouge so the edges are smooth More severe fiberglass damage, especially when struc-
and will allow proper “feathering” of the area.
tural, requires the expertise of an experienced fiberglass
repair technician. See your Four Winns dealer for as-
sistance.
Clean the area thoroughly. Make sure the area is
dry before proceeding.
NOTICE
NOTICE
Improper repair techniques can lead to further
fiberglass component damage.
Be sure the structure and the ambient tempera-
ture are above 60 degrees F (15 degrees C) and
the relative humidity below 70% immediately
before, during, and after the repair.
C. Osmotic Blistering
Osmotic blistering or “boat pox” is an unfortunate but
5.
6.
If the nick or gouge is deep and penetrates through not uncommon occurrence in fiberglass boats. Fiber-
thegelcoat,filltheareawithfiberglasspatchingpaste. glass is water retardant, not waterproof. When a boat
Follow the directions on the can when mixing the is left in the water for a period of time, the fiberglass will
paste with the catalyst.
absorb water. It is a natural process that can not be
eliminated in production methods or material selection
After the gouge is filled and has dried, sand the and usage. However, there are ways to control and
patched area. Begin by using medium-fine grade possibly prevent blisters (see Section M-6). If you do
sandpaper. Progressively use finer grade sandpa- encounter blisters, be assured that the blisters are
per until the surface is very smooth. If necessary, merely cosmetic. They do not indicate a defect in the
add filler and then sand the surface again.
boat structure or lamination. Four Winns, along with
most boat manufacturers, regard gel blisters as a stan-
dard maintenance item.
Vista Owners Manual
10/93
Section M
Page 4
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns Vista Manuals, Outboard Marine Corporation Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns Vista 238, Four Winns Vista 258, Four Winns Vista 278 |
| Model Year | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 |
| Download File |
|
| Document Type | Owner's Manual |
| Language | English |
| Product Brand | Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx |
| Document File Type | |
| Publisher | fourwinns.com |
| Wikipedia's Page | Outboard Marine Corporation |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Marine readers have rated 1994-2000 Four Winns Vista 238 258 278 Boat Service Owners Manual 5.0 out of 5.0 based on 2 product reviews. Vista 27.8 1997